The Clash

© Jordon Wolf / MFb

One of the oldest “rules” of style is that you should never mix-and-match your prints – stripes and polka dots should stay separate, according to this outdated mode. Luckily for us, we’re living in the twenty first century, in a fashionable world where anything goes and the mixing of patterns has not only become totally acceptable, but one of the most impressive feats of fashion when properly executed.

Designers who flirted with this textile-taboo include the cutting-edge Comme de Garcons, where oversize florals and paisleys paired with circular patterns and fabrics so heavily textured that they appeared to have a print of their own. Dries van Noten also went the collage-route, mixing shimmering lame with patterns reminiscent of the designs made by a Spirograph or M.C. Escher; and then there was the much-talked-about show by Mary Katrantzou whose distinctive flowery brocades and insanely vivid optical-illusion prints have quickly elevated her to cult-status among the more adventurous fashion set.

We’ll let it be known that there are some basic principles of design to be considered when clashing your patterns – namely, proportion, complementary shapes, and color family. Here, we bring you three clashing combos that work, and why.

Approach #1: Properly Proportioned

© Theysken's Theory + GivenchyOne of the easiest ways to harmonize two wildly different prints is to choose a pair in which one pattern is clearly dominant. In this look, the bold birds-of-paradise print of this Givenchy Flower Skirt is subdued by the micro-leopard of a Theysken’s Theory Bargo Animal Print Silk Blouse – think of it as a neutral. Similarly, you could also experiment mixing stripes of different sizes, or micro-florals with large graphic patterns.

Approach #2: Similar Shapes

© Old Navy, Marni

Another way to gracefully mix patterns is to select pieces that have a similar type of print. You could mix florals, or dots of different sizes, or complementary stripes or plaids. Here we’ve chosen two modern graphic prints, with harmonious blues and greens to further tie them to each other: Old Navy Smocked Printed Chiffon Blouse and Marni Wave Printed Shorts.

Approach #3: Bold Piece + Accessory

© Diane von Furstenberg + Hansel From BaselStart small; if you’re intimidated by clashing two main components of your outfit, consider pairing an all-over-printed piece with a simply patterned accessory to give this trend a test-run. This Diane von Furstenberg New Gizela Print Silk Wrap Dress is sufficiently striking on its own; another equally as bold piece would just be overwhelming. Instead of resorting to solids to play second string, choose a graphic bag that incorporates colors already in the dress, like this Hansel From Basel Zig Zag Tote. Bonus – you’re also mixing textures. The contrast between the smooth silk and the chunky knit is intriguing.